Legacy of Vision: Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Founding Director of the Tariq Abdulhakim Center [video]

As Dr. Lisa Urkevich concludes her tenure as Founding Director of the Tariq Abdulhakim Center and Museum—the first national museum established under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—it marks the close of a pioneering chapter. Her leadership has been defined by cultural integrity, scholarly rigor, and strategic innovation. Although the Center now enters a new phase, Dr. Lisa’s original vision remains widely respected by colleagues and cultural leaders alike.  

A video of the legacy of vibrant innovations and community engagement. Image: Dr. Lisa Urkevich leading Saudi dignataries through the Tariq Abdulhakim Center museum

Pioneering Vision and Founding Role

From the outset, Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Founding Director of the Tariq Abdulhakim Center, envisioned a heritage institution that would set new standards for academic rigor, cultural sensitivity, and national pride. Appointed as the founding director, she shaped the strategy, structure, and soul of the Tariq Abdulhakim Center and Museum. Urkevich oversaw many details, from the handover of the historic UNESCO building in Jeddah’s old city, to acquiring rare musical collections.

As she led the strategy, structure, and activation, she and her team conceived and launched many Kingdom “firsts," from designing new music engagement zones and “Saudi” musical instruments--including the World’s First Laser qanoon (enjoyed even by Alicia Keys)--to the Hijaz strumstick, the first Saudi music box, the pioneering use of outdoor space, with the activation of grand parades with Saudi marches, festivals, carnivals, orchestral, small ensemble, and folk troupe performances, all with a focus on authenticity and historical accuracy.

“We wanted to ensure that the rich musical heritage of Saudi Arabia was appropriately appreciated, and that our center/museum was more than just exhibits on a wall, but was truly a lively hub where history, identity, and creativity converged”--Dr. Lisa

Decades of Fieldwork and Scholarly Rigor

One of the greatest strengths Dr. Lisa brought to the Center was her vast experience in start-up cultural and educational institutions and her unparalleled scholarly background. She is widely recognized as the world’s leading authority on the music and traditions of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, distinguished as the only scholar to conduct extensive, long-term academic research on this heritage. For over 30 years, Urkevich lived and breathed the culture of the Arabian Peninsula, immersing herself in communities from remote mountain villages to bustling urban centers. She worked with countless regional musicians, master artists, and important heritage leaders--and taught thousands of local college students.

The great Saudi musician, educator, and collector, Tariq Abdulhakim, with Dr. Lisa Urkevich, at his Saudi "Castle of Heritage Arts" in 2008. She later said, "It was the highest honor to launch a center in his name. I felt a great responsibility."

Balancing intellectual integrity with community needs

Throughout her tenure, Dr. Lisa emphasized culturally grounded strategy—balancing intellectual integrity with community needs. She is deeply proud of her Saudi colleagues and team members, who together, developed new systems that not only align with international standards, but also preserve regional identity and inspire future generations.

 “We proved that people can engage with authentic, academically rigorous heritage in ways that are fun, meaningful, and educational”--Dr. Lisa

Continuing her Mission

Though this pioneering role comes to a close, Dr. Lisa’s work continues. She will spend the summer in Washington, D.C., as a Fellow at Georgetown University CCAS, part of the esteemed Walsh School of Foreign Service--focusing on research, policy, and strategic collaboration, with the goal of improving preservation and educational systems and further connecting Arabian heritage to the world. She remains committed to supporting cultural initiatives of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States.

Youths enjoying one of Dr. Lisa's festivals, watching a live Saudi orchestra, in one of the newly purposed spaces around the TAHC museum in historic Jeddah

Dr. Lisa and devoted Saudi team members

Dr. Lisa discussing her center with esteemed dignitary

World's First Laser Qanoon, conceived and designed by Dr. Lisa, under the workshop of craftsmanship of Glenn Hill

Center music Heritage events of the center resonated greatly with locals--young Saudi men clapping and singing during a regional performance

Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Founding Director of the Tariq Abdulhakim Center